THE OKAVANGO MACBETH Discussion Set for March 25 at The Book Lounge

On Monday 25th March, Nicholas Ellenbogen will visit The Book Lounge to talk about his production of Alexander McCall Smith (of THE NO 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY fame) and composer Tom Cunningham's opera THE OKAVANGO MACBETH. The opera is currently running at the Artscape Theatre Complex in Cape Town until 30 March 2013.

Three primatologists studying a troop of baboons realised the parallels with the Macbeth story witnessing ferocious havoc-wreaking conflict in the troop. This fanciful idea inspired THE OKAVANGO MACBETH. Set in the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, the opera deals with the efforts of an ambitious female baboon, Lady Macbeth, to encourage her husband, Macbeth, to murder the dominant baboon, Duncan.

Ellenbogen will be speaking on the context and creation of this first opera written by McCall Smith. The evening will be accompanied by glorious singing from the musical cast, bringing to life the sites and sounds of the bushveld. Ellenbogen has directed the show in the UK, which have enjoyed 5 star reviews. The evening promises to be a fun one in true Theatre for Africa style, with snippets of history from Nick and Alexander's years growing up together in Zimbabwe.

The time of the event is 5.30 for 6pm. The Book Lounge is situated at 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town. For more information, email booklounge@gmail.com or visit The Book Lounge website. Bookings for the show itself can be made via Computicket.

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